Failing miserably at making ABS paste

[Sgtangel]

Hello there. As the title says, I am not getting anywhere. I think it is the strength of the acetone (it is nail polish remover). Any ideas where I can get Acetone of the right strength here in the UK?

[Rat[TK]]

I made mine using regular nail polish remover. What is the problem you're having?

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[themaninthesuitcase[Admin]]

First general nail polish remover wouldn't be my first choice.  It will have a dye in it which will tint the paste.  If you are having issues you've either bough acetone free or it's not ABS plastic.  What kit is it?

 

But to buy it you have a few options

• Most independant pharmacies will sell you some acetone in a small 50ish ml bottle for a couple of quid.  It's more than enough but expensive per ml.
• If you have a beauty supplier near you you can buy a big 1L bottle of pure acetone for about £8-10, I forget the exact price as the shelf label didn't include VAT. https://www.sallybeauty.co.uk/ is who I used and they have shops all over, also there's other companies who I am sure will do it.
• Finally eBay.  I buy lots of my chemically stuff on there, you can get all sorts for not a lot of money.  Added bonus is you probably get added to some government watch list for buy lots of weird chemicals.  I've used this company before but not for Acetone https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Acetone-99-9-Pure-High-Quality-ACS-Lab-Grade-Nail-Varnish-Remover-5-Sizes/331585317454?hash=item4d34066a4e:m:mL2_cHdBulnpzvevFLdoHdQ 

[Rat[TK]]

Ah that works to Chris and the acetone free is definitely a possibility. Mine was clear with no dyes and had no issues.

[gmrhodes13[Staff]]

Had similar issues here and only managed (after a lot of searching trial and error) to find one type/brand of acetone that will work to make abs paste, hang in there I'm sure you will find something that works at your end.

[Sgtangel]

Thanks for the advice. The suit is SDS, the acetone is unperfumed and clear. I will try some of the suggestions. 

[Harbinger[IPM]]

Is the plastic not dissolving?

 

I would start by going to Home Depot (or equivalent) and getting industrial strength acetone. If that still doesn't do it, you may not have ABS.

[Rat[TK]]

Is the plastic not dissolving?
 
I would start by going to Home Depot (or equivalent) and getting industrial strength acetone. If that still doesn't do it, you may not have ABS.

That was my thought when I first read this.

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[sharkbait[TK]]

Sounds like you need the industrial strength 100% acetone, like others mentioned.  Available at pretty much all hardware stores.  

 

Use a non-plastic bowl, such as coated ceramic, because a plastic one will melt along with the ABS.  The smaller your ABS pieces, the easier it is.  Pour way more acetone than you think you need, let it sit for a minute or so and then stir.  Continually agitating will help the bigger chunks melt down.  Add more acetone as needed.  It will evaporate quickly, so if your paste is too runny, just let it sit and it will thicken up.  You may also have to add more acetone as you work, depending on how long you take.   I like using popsicle sticks because they're disposable and can spread paste well.  

[Harbinger[IPM]]

I make mine in a small (glass!) jar. Take scraps and cut them into ~1/4 x 1/4" squares, fill the jar with them, pour in acetone, put the cap on. Come back an hour later and stir, and I am usually good to go.

Edited September 17, 2018 by Harbinger

[Rat[TK]]

8 minutes ago, Harbinger said:

I make mine in a small (glass!) jar. Take scraps and cut them into ~1/4 x 1/4" squares, fill the jar with them, pour in acetone, put the cap on. Come back an hour later and stir, and I am usually good to go.

This is how I did mine as well Brien.

Edited September 17, 2018 by Rat

[sharkbait[TK]]

22 hours ago, Harbinger said:

I make mine in a small (glass!) jar. Take scraps and cut them into ~1/4 x 1/4" squares, fill the jar with them, pour in acetone, put the cap on. Come back an hour later and stir, and I am usually good to go.

A jar is a fantastic idea... why didn't I think of that before? Definitely will be doing that every time I need ABS paste from now on.  I do know if you use a jar with a metal lid, the acetone will eventually eat away at the metal and destroy it, but that's over time- so I wouldn't store it like that, but otherwise I doubt it would be an issue.  

[sskunky]

Use liquid solvent cement or “Plastic Weld” get a small screw top bottle or pot and cut up small pieces of abs, fill the pot, then pour the solvent into the pot. Put the lid on and leave over night it a day or two. Done. I’ve been making it this way for years.


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[sskunky]

Just saw Harbingers post. Basically the same but I use a solvent made for the job.


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[Sgtangel]

Getting hold of 100% acetone not that as accessible as in the states. I might give the liquid cement a go

Edited September 19, 2018 by Sgtangel